Survey conducted by 'Masa Yisraeli' project shows 43% of teenagers view day of rest and Jewish holidays as their deepest connection to country; only 6% mention Bible

Tzofia Hirschfeld|Published: 23.04.10 , 07:49

Shabbat and Jewish holidays are what most connects youth to Israel,
according to a poll conducted by the "Masa Yisraeli" project at the prime minister's request.

"Masa Yisraeli", which will soon mark its fifth anniversary, is an educational trip aimed at deepening youths' personal and Israeli identity.

The survey was conducted among 2,000 teenagers aged 16 to 18 in a bid to discover the thing which most connects the youth to the country they are living in. Some 43% of the respondents said they view Shabbat and Jewish holidays as their deepest connection to the country.

Asked to explain the meaning of Shabbat and holidays, many mentioned the special atmosphere which cannot be found in any other place in the world. Others mentioned the holiday customs, Shabbat and holiday family meals, excursions, cultural activities and synagogue visits.

Language or family

About 20% of the respondents said the Hebrew language is what most connects them to the country. Hearing the Hebrew language everywhere, the Israeli songs and the Israeli culture make them feel that they are in the right place.

Some 17% of the youth said family and friends were what most connected them to Israel, while 9% mentioned the country's landscapes and 6% mentioned the Bible and history.

Several of the teens said that the element which most connects them to Israel is journalist and TV host Yair Lapid.